The Origin And Meaning Of Names

Yes, I love Bernie's lyrics. I am a fan of him and I'd never find a lyricist like him. Me too, I analyze his lyrics over and over, trying to find the meanings of the words, of the poetry. I always was wondering about how he chose the name of some of his characters... By chance? Really by meaning? And what about Elton's name? Hercules??? Reg, why not instead of Elton? So, I have to bring on an expert. She is an open encyclopedia on names and meanings.

So, thank you for the acceptation, really a pleasure to have you... Could you tell us, please, who are you and where are you from?

My name is Mònica Font and I'm from Barcelona (Catalonia), currently living in Ireland.

Great!!! One of Bernie’s lyrics reads: “I'll pick a star from the sky, Pull your name from a hat”... you’ll pick a lot of names from a hat... You are an expert in the origins and meanings of names. You've been writing several articles and you have a book on your desk, ready to be published... Why are you interested in names?

Well, I'm a linguist and given names are an element present in every single world language. A very special element, since, in some way, the given name is part of the subject who bears it: it singles out the bearer and, at the same time, the bearer identifies it as part of himself. That is why if someone criticizes our name or makes fun of it, we will feel outraged, criticized and mocked ourselves and will take offence.

Yes, certainly. In our case, for example... if we’re talking about two names... “Elton” and “John”... What’s the meaning and origin of those names?

Elton is a family name turned into a given name but its origins are dark. It clearly comes from a place name, but since there are several places named Elton in England, from different origins, it is not possible to attribute it a single meaning.

In some cases, the name comes from the Old English ael, "eel", and tun or ton, "town", that is, a town in an area rich in eels, but this one, despite being the most common explanation in baby names books and websites, it is not accurate for most of the places named Elton.

The second part of the name is not that complex: it is the aforesaid tun or ton, "town". In regards to the first part, it can come from the Anglo Saxon given name Elle, different from the modern feminine English Elle and originally a nickname for names beginning by Ælf- (Ælfwine, Ælfheah...), which was an Anglo Saxon element, ælf, "elf". But it can also come from the Anglo Saxon given name Æðel, originally a nickname for names beginning this way (Æðelfrid, Æðelwine...), from the element æðel, "noble". So, usually, we would have "Elle's town" or "Ethel's town", so to say.

The use of family names as given names in English appeared in 18th and 19th centuries among noble families, which used noble surnames from the feminine lineages in order to show the familial bonds in an exhibition of lineage pride. This custom, very common in Scotland, evolved and, at the end of the 19th century, the use of surnames as given names had spread out lto the ower classes without familiar relation with the surnames. Elton, for instance, has been regularly used as given name in the United States since at least the 1880s (the first decade with available data).

On the other hand, John has a clear etymology: it is an evolution, through the Greek and later the Latin, of the Biblical Hebrew Yochanan, coming from yeho, an abbreviation of Yahweh, "God", in the first spot of given names, and chanan, "he has forgiven" or "he has been merciful" (from the verb ch-n-n, "to forgive" or "to be merciful"). That is "God has forgiven" or "God is merciful".

Wow!!! Very interesting!!! You know Elton’s birthday name is Reginald Kenneth Dwight. For Elton, "Reg Dwight (name) was hopeless... it sounded like a library assistant (...) Reggie Jackson, for example, it sounds different”. Really “Reginald” and “Kenneth” are not very strong names, in artistic terms... aren’t they?

Well, Kenneth is very well represented in artistic field by the actors Kenneth Branagh and Kenneth Williams or the saxophonist Kenny G, Reginald by the actor Sir Reginald Denny and even Dwight has its well known bearers, as the actor Dwight Schultz or the singer Dwight Twilley. And if Elton John had stuck on his original name, we will have another very famous Reginald or Reg.

But if Reg Dwight sounded as a library assistant to him, it is very possible that to most of his coetaneous in England this combination suggested exactly this kind of character. So it is understable his urge to change it.

In another time or in another place, Reginald Dwight could be a cool name for a musician (for instance, in a vacuum, this combination brings me the image of a jazz musician) or an actor; I can easily see someone giving up his real name to take Reginald Dwight as stage name to honour Reginald Denny and Dwight Schultz.

Well, don’t mention Elton “Hercules” John his legal name registered in 1972. Hercules was the name of the horse in the British comedy series Steptoe and Son...

Since Hercules is a real human name, I don't have any problem with Elton John using it for himself to honour an animal. It would be very different to do that with a son or a daughter (honour an animal) or if it was a pet name, as Fluffy.

And we can consider Hercules a talisman name, because it contains the Greek root kléos, "fame, glory", and Elton John clearly has reached it.

Right. When Bernie wrote “Nikita”’s lyric, it was a controversial about a russian male’s name being in a song dedicated, so it seems, to a caucasian blond girl, for the influence of Ken Russell’s video clip. Has “Nikita” developed to a female name for that song?

The use of Nikita in the wrong gender is not that song's fault, but it certainly has played an initial and main role. I will make myself clear.

Just listening...

Outside of Russia and its influence area, Nikita was discovered by most of the population in the late 50s, early 60s, when Nikita Khrushchev was the premier of the Soviet Union. Since the main association, and probably the only one in that moment, was a man, despite to sound feminine in most of the European languages because of the a ending, Nikita was not used for girls; and, to be frank, neither for boys.

As the association with the Russian politician grew weak and the knowledge of the name remained, Nikita begun to be used for girls, notoriously in India; two of the most notable female Nikitas are Indian and were born before Elton John's song: Nikita Thukral (b. 1981) and Nikita Anand (b. 1983), both actresses and models. That is not puzzling if we bear in mind that in that country there is a trend for feminine Western names that sound Indian (Natasha, Monica, Tania, Sonia...) and that Nikita ends in A.

It is possible that the memory of Khrushchev was more vivid in Western countries that in India and that is why the Indian use of Nikita in feminine predates the Western one, generally speaking, but it looks more or less clear that by the early 80s all countries but Russia were ready to use Nikita as a feminine name because the new generation of parents-to-be didn't remember the Soviet leader, the name sounded feminine to their ears and it seemed as a refreshing replacement for some feminine names, as Nicole.

Just in that moment, the song "Nikita" (1985) appeared and spread the name in its feminine use all around the world. But the major boost was because of the French film "Nikita" (1990), by Luc Besson, and the TV series "La Femme Nikita" (1997-2001), based on Besson's film: they reached a large majority of the population, people who knew John's song and video and people who didn't.

It is possible that John (born in 1947) or Taupin (born in 1950) didn't know that Nikita was a masculine name, because during Khrushchev's term of office they were very young. But, honestly, it is hard to believe that Russell, who is twenty years older that John, didn't remember the historical character and the shoe-banging incident at the UN General Assembly in 1960, for example.

In any case, after the song, the film, and the TV series, Nikita grew in its feminine use and I would say that right now it is a unisex name, mainly feminine, for Western countries.

On Elton’s songs, there also very significative names... Could you analize briefly some of that names, please, for us, eltonites, Mònica?

So, if I tell you... for example... “Daniel”... the man Bernie saw as a dissillusioned Vietnam veteran and was inspired by an article he had read in Newsweek magazine...

Daniel is a Biblical name, coming from the Hebrew noun d-n, "judge" or "justice", and the suffix el, abbreviation of Elohim, "God"; that is: "God judges", "God is my judge" or even "God's justice".

The differences in naming taste between the United States and the United Kingdom are notables (Bernard Shaw said that England and America are two countries separated by a common language), but in the case of Daniel, it has been one of the favourites in both sides of the Atlantic ocean across the entire 20th century: it has been in the top 100 without interruption since 1900, which means that it is a traditional and solid choice for boys, but, more important, since the 80s it has been in the top 10 also in both countries, which means that it still is attractive for the parents.

So, not only Daniel is an absolutely accurate and plausible name for an American Vietnam veteran but it allows that both American and British of all ages can bond with the song: Daniel, the main character, can be them, or a school friend, a sibling, the neighbour next door...

“Emily”? The old and lonely woman who “(comes) and go(es)”. Some of the lines reads: “But Emily don't be afraid, When the weight of angels weighs you down. Emily prays to a faded hero, In a little frame clutched to her gown, Hears the voice of promise in his memory, Tonight's the night they let the ladder down”

Emily comes from the Latin Aemilia, feminine form of Aemilius, name of an ancient Roman gens (a kind of clan or caste) and, as many of the old Roman names, its origins are dark, probably Etruscan, a dead language not related to Latin. Since Etruscan was already an obscure language in Roman times, the folk etymologies linking it with one well known language were not unusual: from the Latin aemulus, "rival", or the Greek aimydios, "flattering, polite".

These explanations have remained until our time and some others have appeared, for instance a derivation from the Sabine given name Aemidius (related to the Latin aemidus, "swollen"), and until now it is not possible to point a clear origin or meaning.

What is important about Emily is that since the late 90s it is not only one of the most popular names for girls but its popularity is so huge that in some moments it seems that is THE name.

“Alice”? A teen year old yo-yo “raised to be a lady by the golden rule, Alice was the spawn of a public school, With a double barrel name in the back of her brain, And a simple case of Mummy-doesn't-love-me blues”...

Alice is a Germanic name. In fact, it is an English adaptation from a French name (Aalis or Alis), coming from a Germanic one (Adalhaid or Adelheid), compound of adal, "noble" and a second element hard to identify; maybe haid or heid, "wasteland", or maybe *heid, "class, condition, lineage, quality".

It was a very popular name among the Medieval French nobility, who introduced it in England after the Norman Conquest (1066). By the 17th c., in England Alice was seen as rustic and old-fashioned and it was not until the 19th c. that it was revived along with other medieval names. The name was chosen by Queen Victoria for one of her daughters, Princess Alice (1943-1876), making Alice a royal name, fashionable among nobility and high classes, who attend public schools and have double barrelled names, two particular identifying elements of the highest classes in the English social scale.

Of course the name was also popular among other classes, popularized by Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865), by Lewis Carroll, but it still has a regal flavour and easily brings up the picture of a high class member.

Finally, “Chloe”? “How you handle what you live through, I can never hope to learn, Taking all the pain I give you, Loving blindly in return”...

Chloe is a Greek name meaning "green grass, green shoot". It was very unusual until the 90s (not making it to the 100 more common names), but has been growing up in popularity since then and now it is in the top 10.

It is curious that in these questions the four main sources of English given names are represented: the Biblical (Daniel), the Latin (Emily), the Greek (Chloe) and the Germanic (Alice).

Yes, I knew. Just documentation... Thank you very much, Mònica. I know it’s an effort to be concrete because that could be so extensive...

My pleasure, absolutely

Oh, could you tell me your favourite Elton's songs, for my AllSongsList, basically?

"Candle in the Wind".

Marylin Monroe's tribute. Yes. I am absolutely impress!!! Although I knew that you were the expert I needed, you fullfill all of my expectations. I am sure we eltonites loved and enjoyed to read those explanations about names. Oh, I just write to Bernie to notice him about this interview and how appropiated he searched the names of the characters of his songs. Not for Chloe, I mean, because that's a Gary Osborne song. Ok, I will tell him that too!!!

Famous Croatians Eltonites

Slavica Radić is a former Armani model and was the wife of Formula 1 racing magnate Bernie Ecclestone. She was born in 1958 in Rijeka, Croatia (former Yugoslavia) and is the Patron of the croatian community based in London. The couple have two daughters, Tamara (born 1986) and Petra (born 1990). On March this year, she was given a ‘quickie divorce’ and granted a decree nisi in just 58 seconds on the grounds that the marriage with Bernie had “irretrievably” broken down due to the 78-year-old’s “unreasonable behaviour”.

She announced her arrival to the concert by Elton in Pula’s area, but what surprised the organizers of the festival is that she bought all 50 entrance tickets to the VIP area for that concert.

The Story Behind... Caribou Ranch!!!

Caribou is a former silver-mining town, now a ghost town near Nederland in Boulder County, Colorado, United States. It was named after the Caribou silver mine nearby. Known as "The Place were winds were born", Caribou is located at 9800 feet. Sam Conger was the discoverer of the Caribou mine. He found out from the Araphahoe indians about their "Treasure Mountain" but was unable to search until they were moved by the government. Thriving silver mining town of 5000 persons until epidemics, fire and silver busts broke the town in the late 1800's. The Caribou Ranch recording studio is several miles away, on the road from Nederland up to Caribou. Nederland is a scenic mountain town in Boulder County, Colorado.

Before it gained fame as a destination studio, it was the largest privately owned Arabian stud farm in the country. Moreafter, and known as the Lazy VV ranch, the ranch was a destination for celebrities and made history long before its '70s recording-studio days. It became world famous, with Warner Brothers filming three short documentaries there, including Arabians in the Rockies, a 1945 short showing the ranch and its horses in glorious color.

Jim Guercio, then the producer of Chicago, bought Caribou Ranch for a reported $1 million in 1971 and installed the studio in 1973. James Guercio first saw the Rocky Mountains in the '60s, while touring as a guitarist for Chad & Jeremy and fell in love with the place. The first music recorded at Caribou was Joe Walsh's "Rocky Mountain Way". In addition to Chicago (starting with Chicago VI), the studio has been used by numerous other artists: Elton John, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Carole King, Stephen Stills, Waylon Jennings and Supertramp.

Caribou Ranch gained additional prominence when Elton John recorded his album “Caribou” there in 1974. Kenny Passarelli remembered “Elton John came to Caribou for the Caribou sound - a sound that was like no other sound in the world, and "Caribou" was all written here". Yes, during January of 1974, Elton and the band were at the Caribou Ranch, Colorado for the recording of: "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me", "The Bitch Is Back" and "Cold Highway". Unfortunately, no one had taken into account the totally different process of recording an album in America. It took precious days at Caribou to adjust to the studio unfamiliar monitor system. Repeated technical hitches threw Elton into a bad mood lasting a day and a half: "I want to take it to the highest f***ing mountain on your f***ing ranch and push it over". Finally, Elton John recorded several other classic albums at Caribou Ranch, including “Captain Fantastic & the Brown Dirt Cowboy” and “Rock of the Westies”. Also it was there when Elton was simulating to play a guitar, an instrument he is just starting to pick up.

He also recorded the Beatles’ song “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” with John Lennon there, who used the pseudonym Dr. Winston O'Boogie, and also "One Day (At at Time)", the original of which John Lennon released on his Mind Games. Being in the studio, it was a nice break for Lennon, particularly because the U.S. government was trying to have him deported for his antiwar stance. The Caribou staff made Lennon feel at home, and Elton wanted to be sure that John had fun. And he had.

Neil Sedaka also spent time at Caribou ranch during the planning of Neil's first American release on Rocket. And songs of Billy Joel's album "Turnstiles", 1976, were initially recorded at Caribou Ranch too with members of Elton John's band, and produced by James Guercio, but Joel was dissatisfied with the results. The songs were re-recorded in New York, and Joel took over, producing the album himself.

The studio was in operation until it was damaged in a fire in March 1985. The fire destroyed the control room and caused about US$ 3 million in damage. According to the Nederland Fire Chief, while the fire department was doing overhaul on the fire to make sure it was out, several Gold Record plaques awarded to Guercio's group Chicago that were hanging on the wall of the studio, were damaged by a chain saw. After the split-up with Chicago and the Caribou Ranch fire, Guercio became disenchanted with the recording industry and shifted gears, pursuing a successful career in large-scale cattle ranching, property development, and oil and gas exploration, drilling and production, particularly coalbed methane wells. Also, he donated the remaining equipment to the University of Colorado-Denver in 1986.

Photos by Rocky Mountain News

Famous Coloradans Eltonites

Brett Asa "Ace" Young was born on November 15, 1980 in Denver, Colorado. Young, who has been singing since the age of nine, attended voice lessons and performed at local shopping malls and recreation centers during his youth.[5] He performed at various venues in Colorado and other western states, most notably at the Pepsi Center in Denver. Young graduated from Fairview High School, his local high school, in 1999, having participated in athletics, choir, and International Baccalaureate classes during his school years.

He was contestant on season five of "American Idol". He received a GRAMMY NOMINATION for his co-write on DAUGHTRY's first single "IT'S NOT OVER". He referred to Elton as the one of his biggest musical influences growing up.

The Eltonite's day... Tanja_Friend!!!!

"Elton John is amazing! He heals and changes people. But what is most important is that he is not just a huge well-known superstar. He is actually a great individual person, who touches us all with his music and personality"... Someone, on my side, wrote this words when she saw Elton in Sundswall, Sweden, in 2003. Elton was on concert but he was suffering a bad cold. I couldn't find more appropiated words referring to Elton as the true professional he is. We have the chance to have here a very special guest... the woman who's been writing the reviews when Elton is in Sweden, along with Ulf Olby, another one of the greatest eltonites... Ladies & gentlemen, a big applause to the fantastic... Tanja_Friend!!!!

Thank you for the acceptation, really a pleasure to have you... Could you tell us, please, who are you and where are you from?

My name is Tanja. I live in Stockholm, Sweden.

Thanks!!! When did you become an Eltonite? Remember the first time you heard Elton's music and what moves you to buy his music?

I became an Elton fan around 1995 when I saw the animated movie The Lion King for the first time and was absolutely fascinated hearing Can You Feel The Love Tonight. I bought the soundtrack and the newly released Made in England and since then I've collected all the passed and new albums and singles. The lyrics are so important to me. I could always asociate events in my life with what Elton was singing - sadness, loss, love, longing for love. It's as if Elton and Bernie were describing my own private world. That's why it moves me.

Great!!! What was it like seeing Elton for the first time and how many concerts have you been at? And also, could you tell us if you have ever been in touch with him, got a signed autograph or even, spoken with him or with other members of his band?

I've seen Elton 16 times, mostly in Sweden, but also in England and Norway. My first concert was in Oslo, Norway in the year 2000. It was a solo show and I felt shivers down my spine throughout the whole concert. Elton's voice was so pure and powerful. So full of energy and passion. I couldn't believe how those piano sounds and that voice could sink through my skin and make my heart beat faster. Through the years I've got many autographs, around 20, I think. I've never met Elton in person but did get a chance to meet Nigel and Davey backstage in Stockholm in 2002.

Which could be a great set list, in your opinion? Is there any song that Elton hasn’t played yet, and you think that he should do it? And you prefer the Elton’s solo tours or better with band? And, for you, which member of the band is (or was) irreplaceable? Miss someone, now?

The best set list would be the one with a lot of variety and spontaneity. If Elton could pick a few different songs for each concert that he played. And some b-sides as well. I am tired of the same monotoneous set lists which have repeated themselves during the last 10 years, it seems like. I would really like to hear songs like Mellow or Slave or Salvation or Yell Help... anything old and hardly ever played live. I prefer band shows and I think that Davey and Nigel are irreplacable.

Since 00s, Elton's had recorded good albums which weren't successful in music charts terms. "Peachtree road", "The Captain and the Kid", "Rocket man Collection"... Why you think that so? Are people tired of Elton’s music?

People are not tired of Elton but they think that he's lost his energy and left it in the 70's. They can't see that he's developed and changed since then. Not for worse or better. He's just changed his style.

And how was the success of Elton John in your country? Which references had swedish about Elton, specially in the 70s and 80s? And the most succesful albums? Could you still hear Elton´s music now on radio stations?

Elton was very successful in Sweden in the 70's but has lost his edge since then. What you hear on the radio are mostly Sacrifice and The One - never anything new or old. It's strange. I don't really know what references Elton had here in Sweden in the 70's and 80's as I am too young to judge it.

As allsongslist informed: “Bernie and Elton are planning on getting to work in a Los Angeles studio in February of 2010 for a special project. That will be a collaboration of old and new friends and will represent a direction that has been fermenting for years in the heads of its perpetrators”... What do you expect about this new project? What it could be?

It could be yet another album of duets, probably Elton's songs sung by other artists with Elton on piano...

Ok! Which is your Elton's item that you really appreciate, for being hard to get or for the happiness you've got to have it?

It's a very hard question. Maybe it was a T-shirt with Elton on it. When I started as a fan, I wanted all the world to know I loved Elton and was searching everywhere for a T-shirt with his image. Obviously, I couldn't find it anywhere and made an order on the internet, which was not so frequent back in 1995. When I got a package with the shirt, I put it on directly and went out on the street. Actually, all the CDs and videos I've bought with Elton brought me a lot of happiness, especially if it was a new release and the expectations were high.

Fabulous!! And finally, could you tell me your five favourite Elton's songs in running order, for my AllSongsList?

1. The One 2. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 3. Rocket Man 4. Someone Saved My Life Tonight 5. Mansfield.

Thanks so much. Would you want to add some observation or suggestion, or something you want to say to your other eltonites?

Well... all the fans of Elton I've known through the years have been marvellous and hospitable and kind. I want to thank Elton for the people I got to know through his music.

Thank you very much Tanja. Really a pleasure to chat with you. I get funny doing this interview with you, it was an enjoyable and worth experience. Keep Well.

Elton John In Swedish Charts

Top 1

Something about the way you look tonight / Candle in the wind 1997

Top 2

Can you feel the love tonight / Can you feel the love tonight (instrumental)

Sorry seems to be the hardest word / Sweet thing

Don't let the sun go down on me / I Believe

Top 3

Circle of life / Circle of life

Don't Go Breaking My Heart / Snow queen

Top 7

Nikita / The man who never died

That's what friends are for / Two ships passing in the night

Sacrifice / Love is a cannibal

Famous Swedish Eltonites

Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria, Victoria Ingrid Alice Desirée (born July 14, 1977), Duchess of Westrogothia, is the heir apparent of Sweden, being the first-born child of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. She was born a Princess, however constitutional reform, reportedly enacted over the objections of her father, created her crown princess and heir apparent on January 1, 1980. Victoria has worked as a trainee at the United Nations in New York and at the Swedish Embassy in Washington, DC, and she has also participated in a three week introductory course to the Swedish Defence Forces that aims to prepare its participants for international missions. Victoria has also studied conflict solving and international peacekeeping, completed an educational programme with the SIDA, Swedish International Development Agency, interned at the Swedish Trade Council in Berlin and Paris, and studied forestry and agriculture.

Mainstreet of Sweden started in the late fall of 2001. Since the start the band has been playing frequently around Sweden. During the spring of 2004, Mainstreet went into the studio and recorded their first album. At this time Mainstreet was an unsigned band. They decided to put in their own cash and managed to finish the first album by themselves. During 2005 Mainstreet got in contact with the record label Talking Music and were able to get signed and release their selftitled first album. It came out in May 2005. Mainstreet influences are Bruce Springsteen, Elton John and Ryan Adams.

Elton Chinese Dreams!!!

Elton John said he was delighted to perform in China for the first time, saying it was always his ambition to play music here: "I'm delighted to be here, this is a culturally electric city, full of life, full of creativity, and I'm very honored to be here," the singer-composer told reporters at a press conference when he arrived in 2004. He said he visited Shanghai in 1988 and 1984, but had never performed in China.

In 1984 Watford F.C. became the only second team to tour China (West Bromwich were the first in 1978). Two games against the Chinese National Team were watched by crowds of over 70.000 whilst 40.000 fans watched Watford take on Shangai. All Three matches resulted in Watford wins. In 1988 Watford returned to China to compete in the Great Wall Of China Cup. They won all five matches. All of players were a bit shell-shocked because Graham Taylor had just left the club to take over at Aston Villa. They didn't have a manager so Elton decided to go to China with the team. Perhaps feeling a bit fed-up for being long way home, Elton took the players to one side on this particular evening and asked if they could get all the lads together in the next room. Elton was sitting at this piano. And for the next hour he gave them a personal concert.

Elton John and Tim Rice's stylistically eclectic rock musical AIDA kicked off 11 city China tour in Shanghai. Starring Marja Harmon as Aida, Casey Elliott as Radames, and Leah Allers as Amneris, all three of whom were part of the North American tour of the show in 2006 and 2007. The show run in Shanghai, after which it moved on to Suzhou, Nanjing, Changsha, Wuhan, Ningbo, Hangzhou, Xi'an, Beijing, Chengdu and Tianjin. "It's truly a pop musical with spoken dialogue and all kinds of recognizable song types: urban-based rhythm and blues, gospel-inspired songs, ballads and, of course, the rock songs," says Chen Jixin, CEO of Beijing Oriental Broadway International Theater Management Company, which has brought the production to China. "This Aida is a modern musical about the classic tale with a pop twist. When I watched it on Broadway a few years ago, I saw the audiences were responding wonderfully to the mythic story of fated love in a contemporary scene," says the reporter and critic Lun Bing, of Beijing Youth Daily.

Famous Chinese Eltonites

Zhang Ziyi was born the 9th of February 1980, in Beijing, China. When she was 11, she enrolled in the Central Drama Academy in Beijing where she received her dramatic training. Zhang Ziyi's calling was answered when she auditioned for a shampoo commercial, directed by Zhang Yimou, who used the commercial as a way to audition actresses for his upcoming film. Zhang Ziyi was the perfect choice for the part of a young, rural schoolgirl in love with a schoolteacher, and she was cast in the lead role of 1999's The Road Home, which won the Silver Bear award in the 2000 Berlin Film Festival, propelling Ziyi into the international limelight.

Zhang Ziyi attended the 2008 Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscars viewing party held at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood.

The Eltonite's Day... With Boogie Pilgrim!!!!

It's great to share our time with one of the greatest eltonites we could find out there. He has so many to explain, he has been an Elton John fan since 1970 and realised his childhood ambition by going to America to see Elton in concert Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, US. As the song lyrics says... "But I know that you all want something. Just like Boogie Pilgrim!!!!"

I am from Belfast, Northern Ireland. Retired and enjoying life travelling around the world after Elton at every available concert that I can afford.

Thank you! And when you became an Eltonite? Remember the first time you heard Elton's music and what moves you to buy his music?

Many years ago,back in 1969,I heard "Lady Samantha" on the radio. However it was seeing Elton John perform "Your Song" on "Top of the Pops" that sealed my mission to buy his records and to go too as many concerts of Elton`s as possible.

Elton brings a lot of happiness into my life,and my first album that I bought was "Captain Fantistic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy".

Perfect! What was it like seeing Elton for the first time and how many concerts have you been? And also, could you tell us if you ever have been in touch with him? Have ever exchanged words with him?

My first concert was during March,1979. Elton was on tour accompanied by Mr. Ray Cooper. I was absolutely "spazzed out" to hear and see the mighty Elton John perform in such an intimate venue.

In November 1982 I meet Elton, Davey, Dee, Nigel and John Reid in Scotland at a very smart hotel that I happened to be staying in. Indeed they were all very pleasant,and I got to speak to Elton.

During a concert in Belfast, 1986 Elton stopped the show to dedicate a song for me. It was in response to a letter I had written to Elton whilst in London the previous December after seeing him in concert at the Wembley Pool Arena,London.

The Elton John concerts I have attended total (at the time of writing) fifteen, and there is more to follow. Croatia, London and Paris are all scheduled for this year.

Honestly, my dream concert was realised during January,2008. It was an outdoor show held at the Sahara Newlands Cricket Club, Cape Town, South Africa. The weather was warm and hot. I also met up with another Elton John Forum member(thanks Marian for an unforgetable concert and various trips through Cape Town and surrounding areas of South Africa).

Wow!!! And how should be your dream concert? And which one of Elton's live shows you thought you should have been at, if you could, even back in time?

My dream concerts is without a doubt going to be three this year.One being held at the Roman Ampitheatre, Pula, Croatia. The others are Elton and Ray at the Royal Albert Hall, London and Elton and Ray at the Palais des Congres, Paris, France.

Definately any concert that I would like to have been present at was any Elton John concert held in the United States of America in the early to mid 1970`s.

Right! Which is your Elton's item that you really appreciate, for being hard to get or for the happiness you've got to have it?

It is the programme and the pen Elton used to sign it with. The young Elton was more than pleasant as were his band and manager at the time.

True. What is like being an eltonite in your country? Which are the irish preferences in music and which is Elton's place there?

It is with much sadness that during the seventies and eighties I got odd comments made to me because of my admiration for Elton John.

I think a lot of youngsters are missing out on Elton`s music because they are being exposed to music that is inferior to the tunes of the 70`s and 80`s.

Every time is a discussion between "GYBR" and "Captain Fantastic" in eltonites boards about the best original album. The double album has some of Elton's best ever composed songs and with Bernie's fine lyrics... GYBR may should had other hits if the record company should have released "Harmony", "Roy Rogers" or "Grey Seal" as other singles, along the great success of singles like "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" or "Bennie And The Jets". Do you think that record company made a mistake with that? Should the album may had been a great Grammy winner then, in the same category of "Thriller" by Michael Jackson, for example?

Elton`s management was correct to leave the singles being released from "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" to the required mimimum. The management didn`t over-play their hand,they let word-of-mouth do the advertising,along with the exposure of radio meriting the content of "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road".

OK! “Bernie and Elton are planning on getting to work in a Los Angeles studio in February of 2010 for a special project. That will be a collaboration of old and new friends and will represent a direction that has been fermenting for years in the heads of its perpetrators”... What do you expect about this new project? What it could be?

Elton and Bernie have a solid fan base (which they should aim to keep). As long as this proposed venture isn`t as frivilous,such as the offering "Victim Of Love", then the proposed collaboration with Leon Russell and friends should prove enjoyable and successful.
However, I am not to keen on duet albums.

Finally, could you tell me your five favourite Elton John's songs in running order, for my AllSongsList, please?

WOW, this one is a difficult question to answer. Obviously my preferances change from time to time, but I will do the honours.

1: Michelle`s Song.
2: Shoulder Holster.
3: Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters(Part Two)
4: Blue Eyes.
5: Where Have All the Good Times Gone.
6: Boogie Pilgrim.

Thank you. Would you want to add some observation or suggestion, or something you want to say to other eltonites?

Yeah,I really enjoy the Elton John Forum and listening to other peoples visits to various Elton concerts. The members I have met in person through the Forum have proved to be good people in their own right. I have enjoyed meeting each and every one of them.

Thanks a bunch, Stephen. Really a pleasure to chat with you. I get funny doing this interview with you, it was an enjoyable and worth experience.

Miquel, its been my utmost pleasure to participate in your questionaire. I know you asked for five favourite songs, but I just couldn`t help myself getting the sixth one in,HaHaHa!!!

That one should be on your favourite list, really... HaHaHa!!! Thank you very much. Take care.

Elton John In Irish Music Charts

Top 1

Something about the way you look tonight / Candle in the wind 1997 1997

Ghetto Gospel feat. Indian sunset / Thugs get lonely too

Perfect day (BBC Promotional) / Perfect day - Perfect day (BBC Promotional)

Nikita / The man who never died

Don't Go Breaking My Heart / Snow queen

Top 2

Sacrifice - Healing Hands

True love / The show must go on

Don't let the sun go down on me / I Believe

I'm Still Standing / Earn while you learn

Sad songs / A simple man

Top 3

Sorry seems to be the hardest word / Sweet thing

Sorry seems to be the hardest word / Shoulder holster

Top 4

Are you ready for love / Three way to love affair

Candle in the wind / Sorry seems to be the hardest word

Daniel / Skyline pigeon

Goodbye yellow brick road / Screw you

Top 5

I guess that's why they call it the blues / Lord choc ice goes mental

Top 6

Rocket man / Holiday inn - Goodbye

Top 7

That's what friends are for / Two ships passing in the night

Song for guy / Lovesick

Top 8

The One / Suit of wolves

Blue eyes / Hey papa legba

Candle in the wind / Bennie and the jets

Top 9

Circle of life / Circle of life

Can you feel the love tonight / Can you feel the love tonight

Passengers / Lonely boy

Top 10

Crocodile Rock / Elderberry wine

Famous Irish Eltonites

Pierce Brosnan was born on May 16, 1953 in Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland. At 20, he enrolled in drama school and while in London, performed in several West End stage productions. After graduating from the Drama Centre in 1975, Brosnan began working as an acting assistant stage manager at the York Theatre Royal, making his acting debut in Wait Until Dark. Within six months, he was selected by playwright Tennessee Williams to play the role of McCabe in the British première of The Red Devil Battery Sign. In 1982, Brosnan moved to southern California and rose to popularity in the United States playing the title role in the NBC romantic detective series Remington Steele. He first appeared as Bond in 1995's GoldenEye to much critical praise. His most successful and delightful non-Bond outing came in 1999, when he played the title role of the millionaire art thief in director John McTiernan's classy remake of "The Thomas Crown Affair".

He attended the Elton John's 60th Birthday Party.

The Duet Interview!!!!! From Canada... I have to bring two of the most famous eltonites from the country!!!

I love this country. Can't do nothing about that. When I am viewing the list of singles charts successes in the country, I found more number ones than everywhere else... I found songs like "Some Other World (My God!!!) in the list!!! I thought about doing a duet interview. I did it last year with the greaest Sue.Uk and Lukesbox. In this new edition, I had to bring on two of the greatest eltonites, from Canada of course. Inmediatily I thought about two people. Both accepted the invitation. So, here on my side, I would like to ask a big applause to... Mookie and BlueBird!!!!!!!!

But first... Could you tell us, please, who are you and where are you from?

Blue Bird: Marilyn from Toronto

Mookie: Name is Maureen Young Beintema from Kitchener, Ontario Canada

Ok!! When did you became an Eltonite? Remember the first time you heard Elton's music and what moves you to buy his music?

Mookie: I've been a fan since the early 70's when I heard his music on the radio. I just love his music, his voice, his sound... everything about him.

Blue Bird: I first heard Elton way back in the 70's. Your Song was the first Elton song I remember. I have bought his music in the various formats, 8 track, cassette, CD, I hope they don't come up with another format. I am now buying old albums (only on CD) so I can discover songs I have never heard or forgotten. Elton's music as well as most music makes me happy and I believe it is good for your soul.

Nice. What was it like seeing Elton for the first time and how many concerts have you been? And also, could you tell us if you ever have been in touch with him, get a signed autograph or even, speak with him or with other member of his band?

Blue Bird: When I was young I was not allowed to attend concerts, now that I am well in my 50's and my own family is grown I can do what I like when I can afford it. I have seen Elton 8 times over the last 5 years. I saw The Red Piano in Las Vegas 6 times and Elton and the band in Toronto in 2006 and on May 26,2009 Elton and Billy Joel, again here in Toronto. I don't know where I will see him again now he is no longer in Vegas. I am thinking I will have to travel abroad finally, vacation according to Elton's tour schedule. I have never gotten closer to Elton than row 4 in Vegas but I did get up on stage my last Red Piano show this April and I have Davey Johnstone's guitar pick which is now my prized possession. As I went up the stairs towards the stage Davey was right in front of me, I mouthed PICK and he nodded at me. At the end of the song security surrounded him so I thought I was done for, he flicked his pick from the top of his Captain Fantastic guitar so that it landed in front of where he was. I know he knew I was watching so as I walked by to leave the stage I picked it up. Not quite the same as his handing it to me I guess, but I have it and can now cross it off my list of things to do before I die.

Mookie: It was in the early 80s when I first saw him. I'll have to dig up the old ticket stub for the exact date and tour. I was in heaven. Could not believe that I finally got to see my idol in person. I've been to 15 or 16 concerts now. I've not been lucky to get an autograph but he did speak to me once.

Mookie, Which songs Elton should added to his current set list, that songs you thought you would never hear it live in yours 40 years of elton fan and, suddenly, he played it? And you Blue Bird, your favourite songs to be on? And, for you, which member of the band is (or was) irreplaceable? Miss someone, now?

Mookie: I would love to hear Cage The Songbird, Elderberry Wine, and Hercules perform live. Hearing Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters, Empty Garden and The Greatest Discovery were some of my favourites that I was lucky to hear live. I miss Dee Murray and would love to see Elton with Ray Cooper again.

Blue Bird: If I have to pick just one favourite it would have to be Funeral for a friend/love lies bleeding. Davey Johnstone is my favourite band member for all time but I miss Dee Murray and love Ray Cooper. I enjoy seeing all the members of the current band, Nigel, Guy, Bob and John.

Great! Well, you know that’s the “Duets” Interview. Do you like duets, or prefer an Elton “Duet For One”? In that case, which song and which partner have Elton to duet with? Which Duet have not to be happened? Do you detested anyone?

Blue Bird: I really enjoyed seeing Elton with Billy Joel, I hope they will put Face to Face out as as DVD. I can't say that I detested it but I really didn't care so much for Elton with Mary J Blige on I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues.

Mookie:I like most ot the duets with Elton except Idid not care for Mary J. Blige on I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues. I really enjoyed the one with Ray Charles.

What about Kiki Dee? Are you a Kiki Dee’s fan? Do you have her records? And, for extension, do you follow band member’s solo careers, for example Nigel as a singer, or Bernie singing his own songs, or Davey with Magna Carta?

Mookie: I do like Kiki's voice and have one of her earliest LP. I also Nigel's first solo and Bernies' first 2 solos plus 2 with FarmDogs.

Blue Bird: I loved Don't go Breaking My Heart at the time it came out. I have not followed any of the band members or Kiki's solo careers.

Ok! How it was, and still is, the success of Elton in your country? Which have been his hits in sales terms? Songs like “Some other world”, “Levon” or “Love Song” charted in Canadian Singles charts. Then, which are the canadian's favourite Elton's albums or songs? And could you still hear Elton's music in the radio, nowadays?

Blue Bird: Elton is on the radio every day in Toronto. CHFI is on the radio at the place I go for lunch and they play soft rock music, Elton is still tops on their play list. I would think Yellow Brick Road was the favourite Canadian album, I hear those songs a lot but of course Your Song, Candle in the Wind, Crocodile Rock are still played. I can't say I hear any Elton played on the new music stations, he is not quite what the kids are listening to these days. He played Levon at the concert May 26 here in Toronto, it was great to hear it live. Elton's concerts sell out wherever he plays in Canada still so he stills has millions of fans here. There is a mix of ages at the concerts, most of the young people know his music because it is their parents music. My three kids ( now adults themselves actually) know his music. Actually, my 31 year old son came to see Elton and Billy with me and said it is one of the best concerts he has ever seen.

Mookie: All I can say is Elton's music are classics...and have no time limit. There's not many artists and songs of current that would be around in 10, 20 years. Quality stuff stays around forever. There have been many hits over the years and I hear Elton's songs played daily on our local radio stations. Your Song, Bennie and The Jets, Crocodile Rock, Don't Let The Sun...., Goodbye Yellow BR.... among others are on current playlist.

Right! And which is your Elton's item that you really appreciate, for being hard to get or for the happiness you've got to have it?

Mookie: I really don't have a special item. If anything it would be something autographed but since I don't have one....I would have to say that the only other things that I cherish are the concert souvenirs and the photos that I have taken and the many newspaper clippings of Elton.

Blue Bird: Davey's guitar pick is now my favourite item. My friends and family spoil me each year at Christmas with Elton items. This year I received Terry O'Neill"s Eltonography which has the most amazing pictures. They have given me a signed picture of Elton, an Elton watch, picture frame, Red Piano mugs, picture frame.I have t shirts galore. I don't have an Elton room but I do have an Elton "shrine" with all my wonderful gifts. My husband gives me a Ticketmaster gift card each year so I can purchase my concert tickets to see Elton. Years ago I told him please don't buy me " things", I want to see Elton , that is what makes me happy.

Fabulous!! And finally, could you tell me your five favourite Elton's songs in running order, for my AllSongsList?

Blue Bird: 1. Funeral for a frined/Love lies bleeding 2. Someone Saved My Life Tonight 3.Believe 4.I'm Still Standing 5.Rocket Man

Mookie: Funeral For A Friend, The Border Song, Levon, Something About The Way You Look Tonight, Harmony...(no fair that we can only choose 5)

Thank you very much. Would you want to add some observation or suggestion, or something you want to say to your other partner of the interview?

Mookie: Thank for the opportunity to do this with you.

Blue Bird: Mookie, I can't wait to read your replies. Canada loves Elton and as he says he is now 1/2 Canadian so I hope we get to see him again soon.

As allsongslist informed, “Bernie and Elton are planning on getting to work in a Los Angeles studio in February of 2010 for a special project. That will be a collaboration of old and new friends and will represent a direction that has been fermenting for years in the heads of its perpetrators”... What do you expect about this new project? What it could be?

Blue Bird: Maybe it will be a stage play using their music like We Will Rock You, or Momma Mia although they will probably want to come up with something that has not been done before. I can't wait to see what it is.

Thank you very much Marylin and Maureen, really a worth experience this interview. Wow!!! It was a funny thing and my great priviledge to meet you two. An honour you share your time with AllSongsList. I have no words, to tell thank you is just a little thing, you deserved more. Take care and good luck.

Elton in Canadian Music Charts

Top 1

Crocodile rock / Elderberry wine
Daniel / Skyline pigeon
Goodbye yellow brick road / Young man's blues
Bennie and the jets / Candle in the wind
Don't let the sun go down on me / Sick city
The bitch is back / Cold highway
Lucy in the sky / One day at a time
Philadelphia freedom / I saw her standing there
Don't go breaking my heart / Snow queen
Little Jeannie / Conquer the sun
I'm still standing / Love so cold
That's what friends are for / Two ships passing in the night
I don't wanna go on with you like that / Rope around a fool
You gotta love someone / Medecine man
Don't let the sun go down on me / I Believe
The One / Suit of wolves
Can you feel the love tonight / Can you feel the love tonight (instrumental)
Something about the way you look tonight / Candle in the wind 1997

Top 2

Whatever gets you thru the night / Beef Jerky
Someone saved my live tonight / House of cards
Nikita / The man who never died

Top 3

Your Song / Into The Old Man's Shoes
Sorry seems to be the hardest word / Shoulder holster
Simple life / The north

Top 4

Island girl / Sugar on the floor
Sad songs / A simple man
Healing hands / Dancing in the end zone
Written in the stars / Written in the stars (Alternate version)

Top 5

Blue eyes / Hey papa legba
Candle in the wind / Sorry seems to be the hardest word

Top 6

Levon / Goodbye

Top 7

The last song / The man who never died - Song for guy
Sorry seems to be the hardest word / Sweet thing

Top 8

Rocket man / Susie (Dramas)
I fell like a bullet - Grow some funk of your own
I want love / The north star
Your song / Your song - Your song
Empty garden / Take me down to the ocean

Top 9

I guess that's why they call it the blues / The retreat

Top 10

Honky cat / Slave
Bad blood / Your favourite entertainment
Mama can't buy you love / Three way to love affair
A word in spanish / Heavy traffic

Famous Canadian Eltonites

Shania Twain was born in Windsor Ontario, Canada, on the 28th augoust 1965. Music was Shania's life, she would skip classes in school to write songs in the music room and after graduation she played in bar bands that played anything from pop to rock. When she was 21 she moved to Toronto, to be a secretary by day and singer by night. Shania was just 22 when she had terrible news that her parents had be killed in a car accident. Twain cares for her three teenage siblings by singing at the upscale Deerhurst Resort in Huntsville, Ontario. Twain pursues her dreams in Nashville, signing a record deal with Mercury Nashville, which releases her 1993 self-titled debut album. Around that time, Twain begins writing songs over the phone with reclusive London-based producer Robert John "Mutt" Lange. In June 1993, after months of working together, they finally meet in person. By December, they're married.

She counts Elton John as her ''single most important musical influence''. The duo sang her "You're Still the One" and his "Something About The Way You Look Tonight" in this excerpt from "Shania Twain's Winter Break", during her concert in Miami in 1999.

Born James Eugene Carrey, on January 17, 1962, in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. Jim Carrey grew up in a house full of fun and laughter and being the youngest of four children, he would often clown around to stand out from his siblings. When Jim was 15 he performed at Yuk Yuk's in Toronto, wearing a bright yellow suit made for him by his mother. At first he went down badly but with time and perseverance he soon began performing regularly on the Toronto club circuit, while supporting his family. After receiving positive feedback Jim decided to move to LA in 1979. Carrey began to look around for other performance outlets. He landed a part as a novice cartoonist in the short-lived sitcom "The Duck Factory" (1984); but hedidn't have a big success until 1994's Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. From there, Carrey's expressive face, expert mimicry skills, and physical brandof comedy kept the hits coming. He followed with The Mask (1994), Dumb andDumber (1994), Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls (1995), Batman Forever (1995),The CableGuy(1996), and Liar Liar (1997).

Jim joined in 1998 Elton in a rousing duet rendition of Elton's classic "Rocket Man." He came out on stage wearing one of Eltons red leather jackets with gold crosses adorend on it, and a pair of EJ's green glasses, with a red rose between his teeth. Elton started off the song and then two lines into it Jim started singing. He matched Elton note for note as they traded off verses, and split into harmony when the chorus came along. Jim messed up on a line of a song, but Elton corrected it. Then instead of singing "I think it's going to be a long long time" Jim said "I think it's going to be, friggin forever!" And then at the end Jim helped Elton by banging his head on the piano. After the show, Carrey was telling Elton about Kaufman, and explaining how the late comedian would get carried away by his alter ego, Vegas lounge lizard Tony Clifton. The vegetarian Kaufman, while channeling Clifton, would eat prime rib, drink Jack Daniels, and smoke. But when the Taxi star was back to his old self, he would clean out his polluted system by—get this—swallowing 30 feet of cheesecloth. John found the entire story fascinating, and decided to send Carrey a gift that would pay tribute to all three parts of his current psyche. The entertainer sent expensive red wine for the Carrey, Limburger cheese and magazines of large, naked over-50 women for Clifton, and 10 packages of cheesecloth for Kaufman.

During the happy 60th birthday evening Elton's partner David Furnish, who organised the glamorous event, introduced a short film tribute, featuring messages from Sir Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart, Celine Dion and Jim Carrey.